Why Does Sophie Devine Hold Smriti Mandhana in Such High Regard?
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Synopsis
As the Women's Cricket World Cup heats up, New Zealand's Sophie Devine reveals her respect for India's Smriti Mandhana. Discover how their contrasting styles and mutual admiration set the stage for an electrifying group-stage clash, crucial for semi-final spots.
Key Takeaways
- Sophie Devine admires Smriti Mandhana's preparation and work ethic.
- The upcoming match is crucial for both teams' semi-final hopes.
- Mandhana and Kaur have contrasting styles but complement each other.
- Handling spin will be key to success in the tournament.
- Deepti Sharma leads the tournament in wickets.
New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) New Zealand captain Sophie Devine expressed her profound admiration for Smriti Mandhana and is inspired by her game preparation. The Women's Cricket World Cup is heating up as Team India readies to clash with the White Ferns in a pivotal group match on Thursday, where both teams vie for a chance at the semi-finals.
Ahead of this significant encounter, Devine, along with all-rounder Suzie Bates and star spinner Amelia Kerr, shared their analysis of Indian players Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. The Indian vice-captain reciprocated the Kiwi captain's admiration.
"I have immense respect for Smriti and how she handles daily pressures—the fan support and expectations are substantial. Her calmness and consistency are truly impressive. Observing her meticulous training and batting preparation elevates my respect for her even further," Devine stated.
"As an opposing captain, it’s challenging since she has few weaknesses, but that’s what makes it thrilling—you want to compete against the finest players in their prime."
"She’s arguably the most in-form player globally right now. I’m eager to face them in Mumbai. I hope we have some support from New Zealand fans, although we might be outnumbered—but it will still be an incredible experience," Devine said on JioStar.
Mandhana remarked on the talent and influence her RCB teammate brings to the field, stating, "When playing against Sophie Devine, the priority is to never drop her. I remember witnessing her break the record for the fastest 50 against India at Chinnaswamy as a teenager. I took a photo with her to compare our muscular strength, wishing to hit sixes like her. She has established a significant legacy for New Zealand and global cricket."
Bates noted that India's experienced duo of Kaur and Mandhana are 'polar opposites' in style. The Kiwi all-rounder analyzed their contrasting approaches, saying, "They (Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur) complement each other perfectly in their respective roles as captain and vice-captain."
"Harmanpreet has been a fierce competitor for a long time. I've always faced her, and her intensity brings out the best in her and her team. Her teammates understand that she will lead the charge and ensure they compete fiercely every ball.
Smriti’s calmness balances out Harmanpreet’s aggression. When I chat with Amelia Kerr, who has played alongside Harmanpreet at Mumbai Indians, she appreciates her leadership. Leading in a home World Cup is a monumental opportunity, especially later in one’s career—it will be an exciting moment for her."
Amelia Kerr, who played a key role in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup victory, highlighted the necessity of tackling Indian spinners like Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.
"This World Cup in India will heavily depend on how well teams manage spin. Adjusting to conditions and having a clear strategy is crucial. Some batters prefer to sweep while others engage their feet. For me, it’s about determining the best method to play spin based on the conditions and the match's situation. That’s one of the aspects I treasure about 50-over cricket—the strategy, tactics, and patience. This will be among the greatest challenges in this tournament.”
Notably, Deepti is leading the tournament in wickets with 13 from five matches.
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Point of View
We always strive to bring balanced and unbiased perspectives on sports. The mutual respect shared between players like Sophie Devine and Smriti Mandhana highlights the spirit of cricket, where competition is fierce yet rooted in admiration. This World Cup is not just about the matches; it's about the stories that unfold on and off the field, showcasing the dedication of athletes striving for excellence.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the strengths of Smriti Mandhana?
Smriti Mandhana's strengths include her calm demeanor, consistency, and exceptional batting skills, making her a formidable opponent.
How does Sophie Devine view Smriti Mandhana?
Sophie Devine holds Smriti Mandhana in high regard, appreciating her preparation and ability to handle pressure.
What is the significance of the upcoming match?
The match is crucial for both teams as it could determine their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals in the Women's Cricket World Cup.
What factors will influence the match outcome?
The match will largely depend on how well teams adapt to spin bowling, particularly India's Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament?
Deepti Sharma is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 13 wickets from five matches.
